Andrew strode angrily toward Saruto, his eyes blazing with suspicion. He grabbed Saruto clothes tightly, saying, "Hey, Saruto! No time for jokes! How did you come up with a plan so quickly? Do you think we're fools?"
In a flash, Saruto slapped Andrew hand away, then gave him a cold, sharp look. His voice was low but decisive. "Do you think I'm joking?"
Andrew took two steps back, realizing that the man before him was no ordinary person. His tone was less sharp. "So… tell us what your plan is."
Saruto stepped toward the map, placed his hand on it, and said in a calm, steady voice, "The Kingdom of Helles is surrounded by four main gates."
He pointed. "Two gates are in the Slave Quarter. Two gates are in the Privilege Quarter."
He looked up at them. "And these gates… are the only way to enter the kingdom. That's why… we'll enter through them."
"And how are we going to get in?" Sebastian said, crossing his arms. "Do you think they'll let us through? There are guards everywhere. And the patrols keep changing."
Saruto smiled faintly. "Have you forgotten who I am? I am… the Emperor."
Andrew frowned. "What do you mean?"
Bianca stepped forward. "Saruto is right. If he enters the kingdom, everyone will think he's the Emperor. His appearance… his dark energy… everything matches. He'll be our ticket in."
Saruto nodded. "Exactly."
Then he continued, "And now… the second part of the plan."
"Okay, we get it. But what about us? How are we going to get in?" Andrew interrupted sharply.
"I'll take you in by carriage," Saruto replied confidently.
He held up his hand and pointed to the map. "We'll divide the rebels among the four gates."
Then he began to specify: "Sebastian… at the South Gate. Tychos… at the East Gate. Andrew… at the North Gate. And Judith… at the West Gate."
Silence fell as everyone listened. Sarotto continued, "The four of you will disguise yourselves as soldiers. You will enter normally."
He then took out four black orbs and handed one to each of them. "What's this?" Judith asked, examining the card.
"Scan it," Sarotto said.
As they ran their hands over it, a three-dimensional image of Sarotto appeared, floating in the air. "Show this to the soldiers," Sarotto said. "Tell them it's a direct communication device with me. This way they can contact me immediately… and they'll let you in."
He continued, pointing back at the map, "After you enter… the second phase begins. Sebastian and Tychos… your mission is to free the slaves in Slave Quarter. After that, start a riot. Advance toward Central City."
He turned his gaze to Andrew and Judith. "As for you two…do nothing in the Concessions area. Proceed directly to Central City in disguise."
Then, his tone firm, he added, "As soon as Sebastian and Tyos reach Central City…the soldiers will move to stop them. Your role, Andrew and Judith, is to attack the soldiers from the rear."
He paused, then continued, "Before you enter Central City…send some of the freed slaves to steal a large number of wagons. We'll need them to transport the slaves and the rebels…if we have to retreat."
"Your plan is brilliant, Saruto…but what about you and Bianca?" Sebastian said, clearly impressed.
Saruto smiled, as if he'd been expecting the question. "I knew you'd ask."
He moved closer to the map. "When you reach Central City…about 75% of the kingdom's forces will be heading your way."
He looked up at them, his eyes gleaming. "While they're busy with you…Bianca and I will go to the Emperor." A stunned silence fell over the hall. "You plan to face him alone?" Andrew asked.
"And why must the Commander go with you?" Taius asked anxiously.
"If my theory is correct… and if I have indeed traveled to another dimension… I will ask the Emperor about Umbra. And about why I was brought to this world," Saruto replied seriously.
Then he turned to Bianca. "And you… you will learn the truth. You will learn why your brother changed… and how he became an enemy of the entire world."
Silence fell. No one objected to Saruto plan.